As part of significant development to the surrounding area of Riverdale Regional Park, the Adams County Veteran’s Memorial adds a scaled model of the USS Colorado, a vessel that served from 1923 to 1947 and sustained significant damage during World War II. The development aims to not only provide a park for the community to enjoy but also a place to honor living military members and those who have perished.
A Unique Structure to Serve the Community
With a design that extends into Mann-Nyholt Lake, the veteran’s memorial recreates detailed features of the USS Colorado including everything from the battleship bow to the turrets, cables and smokestacks. An interpretive wall and military panels honor the 43 service members who died – along with 198 injured – when the vessel itself suffered hull damage in the Pacific Ocean. Accessibility is a critical factor in the design to accommodate all abilities and provide easy access to all park amenities. Development to surrounding Riverdale Regional Park include a new roundabout and parking lots that enhance an existing trail all to improve public access. Given its position on the waterfront, no-rise analysis and floodplain development permitting also supported the design process. Multiple Otak teams led the design and supporting services necessary to make this memorial a reality.
To enhance visitor experiences at Olympic National Park in northwest Washington, this 210-foot pedestrian bridge design is an integral component of the trail system near Staircase Rapids. With a design-build delivery method, Otak led the survey, engineering analysis, and ensuing design for the project through construction using unique approaches with partners to accommodate the site’s isolated location.
A Design-Build Structure for a Scenic Trail Site
Spanning the Skokomish River, the Staircase Rapids Trail Bridge is a steel-framed suspension bridge in an old growth area of the Pacific Northwest. Its design included a detailed analysis of vibration with the bridge span due to pedestrian footfall. A computer model of the bridge was compiled and subjected to a battery of dynamic pedestrian loads. A physical model of the bridge was also constructed to model the oscillations and allow the bridge designers to gauge their impact. These findings led to the inclusion of a passive tuned mass damper device – consisting of steel plates suspended on a spring – to reduce vibrations on the bridge, enhancing the experience of crossing for all. The dampers were adjusted through field tests and measurements of the bridge dynamics near the end of construction. Because the project’s location in a wilderness area, all equipment and materials were flown in via helicopter. During construction, two temporary bridges were installed to allow the contractor access from one side of the river to the other. When construction finished, the temporary bridges were flown out along with equipment and unused materials.
Critical infrastructure updates and subsequent restoration of the surrounding floodplain eliminate county road flooding and improve safety for non-motorized traffic along the lower reach of the Big Quilcene River. A new bridge along with levee removal / relocation are part of a design emphasizing a number of habitat enhancement features. Otak completed baseline environmental documentation to support permit submittals for construction, led the road and bridge design, and supported the riverscape restoration design through detailed geomorphic, sediment transport, and hydraulic analyses.
Updating Critical Infrastructure while Reconnecting a Floodplain
In close collaboration with associated stakeholders, including the Hood Canal Enhancement Group and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, a design focused on integrated floodplain protection replaces an 80-foot-long bridge with a 1,040-foot-long floodplain-spanning bridge. For a channel that had been historically leveed, the Linger Longer Road bridge replacement and associated riverscape restoration allows more area for the floodplain to occupy, decreases sediment impacts to Quilcene Bay shellfish beds, and re-establishes a highly-productive corridor for salmon habitat. The features also improve recreational access to fishing, exploring, and wildlife observation.
Enhanced treatment of highly-polluted highway stormwater runoff is accomplished across 19 acres with the unique design of this water treatment facility. In developing the city of Redmond’s Basin Surface Water Master Plan, the facility addresses water quality for what flows into its stormwater trunk extension using a custom pump and distribution system.
A Unique Water Treatment Facility Utilizing Bioretention for Highly-Polluted Stormwater Runoff
Located alongside the busy highway, SR 520, a unique pump system diverts stormwater runoff through a custom soil mix and vegetated facility designed for biofiltration before eventually reaching the outfall at Lake Sammamish. The resulting bioretention maintains treatment function over time as a custom steel distribution system spreads flow evenly to optimize the footprint across the facility and prevent scouring. Data collected to inform the Basin Surface Water Master Plan was used to identify the optimal location for capturing polluted runoff while continued monitoring refines the runoff model and better defines pollutants. An integrated approach including landscape architecture focused on urban design led to a facility that resembles a leaf. Otak also supported the city in obtaining an ecology grant for the stormwater retrofit by building a report that demonstrates how the facility would function and how the water quality benefits would benefit the community.
Wade Creek Park represents the culmination of a 15-year vision to create a library, park, and community meeting space for the City of Estacada. This third phase of development improves the park’s utility and connections to the surrounding environment by adding a multi-use community center and converting an existing pond back to its natural stream.
A Multi-Use Community Center Designed Around a Restored Stream
From an outdoor amphitheater, stage area, and boardwalk to an indoor community room, restroom facilities, and picnic area, a number of amenities improved Wade Creek park while restoring its natural stream and adding wetland areas. The architectural design of the community center also includes a roof that drains into a rain garden featuring native plants and locally-sourced materials for the structure that highlight the local timber industry. Wade Creek meanders through the middle of the park and improving the habitat was important to the City. A geomorphic and hydrologic study determined the restoration design of Wade Creek, focusing on enhanced flood management, tree health, and aquatic habitat diversity. Multiple alternatives were presented to the public using an online survey in partnership with GreenWorks to engage the community in the design process. A hydraulic computer model was used to evaluate maximum water surface elevations for the design alternatives. The final design includes a riffle, pool, channel complex with riparian plantings, and a new fish passage culvert under Wade Street.
As part the 2013 flood recovery efforts within the St. Vrain Creek watershed, the multi-phase restoration project re-establishes floodplain connectivity, enhances the health of local ecology, and adds resilience to the area’s communities from future flooding. With funding from a disaster relief planning grant, those efforts include the reconfiguration of a reach where creative solutions were necessary to meet numerous objectives and stakeholder needs.
“Threading the Needle” through Constrains to Reconfigure a Reach that Provides A Reliable, Local Water Source and Protects Habitat
Understanding that this would be a complex field-fitting project, the assembled project team was specifically built with an emphasis on flexibility, willingness to compromise, and an ability to brainstorm solutions. An alternatives analysis evaluating various bypass structure design and channel alignments was developed to address a variety of project constraints, including the minimization of water surface rises to avoid a conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR), protecting the existing Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse habitat, and avoiding disturbance to ditches’ ability to divert legally decreed water rights. The final design increases floodplain connectivity while adding low-profile features that complement the natural function and variability of the river, restoring native riparian and aquatic habitat in the process. The resulting passage of native fish and sediment, reduction of flood energy, and improved water quality benefit local communities and ecology alike. Otak coordinated closely with Boulder County Parks & Open Space, along with other stakeholders including ditch representatives, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Water Resources in establishing the final design and overseeing construction activities. The partnership with Boulder County continues with monitoring and adaptive management support.
To manage stormwater runoff from 260-acres of a highly-urbanized area of Renton, Washington, the Monroe Avenue Infiltration Facility delivers a comprehensive approach that reduces flooding and enhances water quality for the surrounding community. As one of the largest water treatment facilities in Washington, the project allowed the city to avoid extensive trunkline options that would directly discharge and impact the local river system. In designing this regional stormwater facility, Otak utilized detailed surveying as well as hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of the subbasin to estimate peak flows during up to 100-year storm events, optimizing its capacity and improvements.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure to Reduce Flooding and Enhance Water Quality
Persistent flooding along Monroe Avenue in the City of Renton was addressed through a comprehensive green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) solution centered around an infiltration facility. An alternatives analysis led to the selection of a treatment train approach that begins with a hydrodynamic separator and a flow splitter, which diverts water quality treatment flows to a Filterra Bioscape treatment system. From there, treated runoff is conveyed to three isolator rows, allowing for additional settling and fine sediment removal before infiltration into the ground. High stormwater flows that bypass the bioscape unit are also directed to the isolator rows, ensuring full use of the facility’s infiltration capacity. This system not only eliminates localized flooding but also recharges cool, clean groundwater that feeds into the Cedar River. The improved stormwater conveyance system manages flows from a 25-year storm through existing infrastructure. Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling also account for a 100-year event, minimizing the risk of roadway overtopping during extreme flood events. Overall, the facility delivers both flow control and enhanced water quality treatment tailored to the Renton Highlands subbasin.
He approaches every project with a holistic view of sustainability that encompasses social wellbeing, environmental preservation and restoration, economic development, and a project’s lifetime resilience to future long-term environmental and economic conditions.
What is Envision?
According to the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, Envision is a framework that helps communities cut greenhouse gas emissions, create good-paying green jobs, address environmental justice, and meet climate-change targets that works much like LEED when it comes to construction of buildings. The key difference between Envision and LEED is Envision applies the framework to a multitude of project types spanning the public infrastructure spectrum, and is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to sustainable and resilient project delivery.
The framework provides a flexible system of criteria and performance objectives to aid decision makers and help project teams identify sustainable, resilient, and equitable approaches. It works at all levels of a project’s lifecycle – during the planning, design, and construction phases.
What is an Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP)?
An ENV SP is essentially an expert in the Envision framework — a professional that has demonstrated their knowledge in making projects sustainable and just from the planning to final delivery stages. Through the credential, Envision recognizes and brings attention to individuals trained and dedicated to developing more sustainable infrastructure.
When asked about his achievement, Charles humbly expressed his happiness and pride. He sees these credentials as a reflection of his passion for creating a greener and more sustainable future. An enthusiasm for continuous learning and personal growth makes him a true asset to Otak and an inspiration to his colleagues.
Real World Applications: Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility for the City of Renton
Charles’ passion for sustainable development and his accreditation complement each other, fostering innovation and environmentally responsible practices. This can be seen firsthand on the Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility Project for the City of Renton – a remarkable $15-20 million endeavor set for construction in late 2023.
Through an improved stormwater conveyance system utilizing multiple stage stormwater treatment prior to full infiltration of stormwater runoff from the contributing 250-acre basin, the project showcases his dedication to creating sustainable solutions that positively impact the community, and it’s a testament to Charles’s ingenuity and his ability to implement environmentally friendly strategies without compromising on quality.
Take a closer look at the project here, courtesy of the City of Renton, to learn more!
As we look to the future, Charles Dewey’s expertise and dedication will undoubtedly continue to drive positive change within Otak and beyond. His work stands as a testament to the power of sustainability and innovation in shaping a better world for all. We’re proud to have Charles as part of our team and can’t wait to see what incredible projects he’ll contribute to next!
As part of an effort by regional government Metro to identify and acquire parcels of land that present opportunities to protect and restore ecologically significant greenspaces, this natural area along Beaver Creek in the east suburbs of Portland, Oregon is enhanced to benefit local ecology and the surrounding community. In leading the restoration design, Otak took a unique approach using a 2D no-rise analysis and helicopter placement of large wood that aimed to provide new habitat and return the watershed to a more naturally functioning state.
Adding Channel-Spanning, Large Log Root Wads to Restore a Stream’s Floodplain
Flowing directly into the Sandy River – a tributary to the Columbia River – Beaver Creek provides important habitat for salmonids, including endangered Coho Salmon, as well as lamprey. This site contains two crossings where small culverts historically didn’t allow the transport of large wood and sediment into the reach that would naturally occur, limiting in-stream habitat conditions for rearing juvenile salmonids and the ability of Beaver Creek to fully express itself in the watershed. Following the replacement of those culverts, this project was designed to jump start the habitat creation process and provide immediate refugia for salmonids. The project also removed a mid-reach fish barrier – an abandoned concrete flashboard weir – that yielded shallow sheet flow conditions during summer months and high velocity flow in the winter, both challenging situations for fish. Using multiple channel-spanning large wood structures provides opportunities for beaver to add dams, the creation of scoured pools for salmonid habitat, and an overall more complex system where new channels can form and potentially reactivate old flood paths. In support of the floodplain permitting process, 2D hydraulic modeling helped ensure an understanding of site parameters and identify wood placement locations, while also making the permitting process feasible.
Along state and interstate highways across the state of Washington, work is being done to remove fish barriers and restore streams to their natural ecological processes. Site analysis is informing designs to reestablish aquatic habitats and honor the right to take fish guaranteed to the Northwest Washington Tribes.
Puget Sound Site Analysis to Restore Streams and Deliver Fish Passage Design
With sites throughout the Puget Sound region, a uniquely assembled team continues work in developing Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Preliminary Hydraulic Design (PHD) on the way to the Final Hydraulic Design (FHD) in restoring fish passage at roadway crossings. Topographic data and survey are being used to build hydraulic modeling – using SRH-2D (H&H analysis) to characterize existing and future conditions in the field. From scour analysis to stream channel slope and alignment, an assessment of prevailing geomorphic processes is central to the structure design and established construction methods. In restoring aquatic habitat for ESA-listed Salmonids, fish presence and habitat evaluation guides plan for improved wildlife connectivity. As part of a general engineering contract (GEC) team, Otak collaborates closely with all project stakeholders and co-managers, including the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Northwest tribes to develop designs in accordance with Water Crossing Design Guidelines and WSDOT’s Hydraulics Manual.
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